To receive updates from the Chairs of the Scrutiny Committees on the recent activities of those Committees.
Minutes:
Councillor Ellie Plater, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee gave an update on the work of the Committee. At its meeting on 15 June 2026, Members had considered a range of reports, including those relating to Pavement Licensing, Civil Penalties, Enforcement under the Renters’ Rights Act, the Local Plan Partial Update, the Community Infrastructure Levy, Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), and Contract and Land Development matters. Members had noted the Council’s robust approach to housing enforcement, including the ring-fencing of income from civil penalties for private sector housing enforcement activity. The Committee also received assurances that the current Local Plan would remain in force until its end date and sought clarification regarding proposed governance arrangements associated with LGR.
At its meeting on 21 July 2026, the Committee considered reports including the St Nicholas Pride in Place programme, the Quarter 4 Outturn Monitoring Report, the Corporate Performance reports, the Draft Tenancy Strategy 2026-2031, Sports and Leisure services, and a Contract Award for Repairs and voids materials. Members focused particularly on the composition of the St Nicholas Pride in Place Board, measures being taken to address ongoing challenges with housing voids through improved tenant engagement and tenancy audits, and proposals within the Draft Tenancy Strategy to strengthen tenant engagement and involvement.
Councillor Jim Brown gave an update on the work of the Community Select Committee. He advised that the Committee had agreed its 2026/27 work programme including policy development of the Tenancy Strategy and Housing Strategy, a major review of support for young people, an annual review of the Housing Allocations Policy, updates on housing damp and mould, preparation for Local Government Reorganisation, the Statutory Crime and Disorder Committee, and a standing Public Health item.
The Committee also considered the scoping document for its review of support for young people. Members agreed that the review should focus broadly on young people aged 14 to 25 and include consideration of education, training, employment, young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), looked-after children and care leavers. Members further agreed that the review should adopt a partnership approach involving schools, health services and other key organisations, with a particular emphasis on mental health, access to support services, neurodiversity, family support and the impact of these issues on educational outcomes and wellbeing.
In the absence of the Chair, Councillor Leanne Brady, Councillor Ellie Plater gave an update on the work of the Community Select Committee.
The Committee approved a work programme including reviews of fly-tipping, cycling, skills and employment, and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. Members also agreed the scope of the fly-tipping review, which would examine enforcement activity, deterrents and penalties, the use of CCTV and signage, reporting arrangements, performance measures, hotspot locations, and access to waste disposal facilities.
The Committee also reviewed its Action Tracker and requested future updates on waste and recycling in flat blocks, the impact of the new college campus on skills provision and the local economy, and the effect of the cost-of-living crisis. Members agreed to defer further scrutiny of bus services, with the option of revisiting the issue in 2027 if required.